Sue-Lynda Bate, Lorrie Cross, Robyn Orford, Ruth Maccan and Angela Laberge of Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, chopped more than 400 lbs of carrots to make hearty bowls of soup with Chilliwack’s Bowls of Hope Society as part of Make a Difference Days.

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Full Cupboard Holiday Program: Raising food, funds and awareness.

Envision Financial and Langley Advance support area food banks this season

Aiming to raise food, funds and awareness for area food banks, The Full Cupboard Holiday Program is the charitable initiative of Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, with support of the Langley Advance.

Together with the community, they aim to help make the season a little easier for some of the 103,464 British Columbians who accessed their local food bank last year.

“We can’t do it alone,” says Envision Financial’s Susan Byrom. “We value our partnership with the Langley Advance and our communities that come together to support those needing a little extra help this holiday season.”

10-year vision:

In 2013, Envision Financial made a 10-year commitment to raise $1 million and 100,000 pounds of food, not only at Christmas, but year-round. Just four years in, it has raised an amazing $545,575 and 69,875 pounds of food, Byrom notes, commending staff and community for their support. “It really is the community that is rallying around us and this goal,” she says. “That’s what makes it so special for us.”

From a pinball tourney raising $500 to a community festival, each dollar helps make a difference to families in need.

Can’t make it in person? Give on the go! Simply text “FULL” to 41010 to donate $5 to the Full Cupboard – the one-time or monthly donation will be added to your mobile bill.

Stretching the dollars farther:

Byrom would like to raise $10,000 for the Christmas program, shared among food banks in all 11 communities in which Envision Financial operates.

And while food donations are always appreciated, the great thing about cash donations is how far they can go.

“For every dollar donated, three meals can be provided,” Byrom explains. “That means for just $30, you can provide three meals a day for someone in need for a full month.”

The gift of time:

Envision Financial volunteers will also be in the community, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope Christmas kettle campaign, serving holiday meals at the shelter, setting up a toy donation depot in Delta and more.

“There are so many ways to get involved in the community,” Byrom notes. “The holidays can be very difficult for people, but the greatest gift you can give is your time.”

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A division of First West Credit Union, B.C.’s third-largest credit union, Envision Financial is a premier provider of banking, investment and insurance services in the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Kitimat regions.